For some, a workout finisher looks like a plank series, a push in the saddle or burpees. For others, it’s the door.

Leaving a workout class early is a hot topic in the fitness community and regularly spurs debate on social media. Some advocate for dipping out early, while others see it as a distraction.

In November, TODAY.com conducted a survey that showed 68% of participants felt it’s OK to leave a class early, while 32% disagreed. But what do group fitness instructors have to say on the matter?

As a part-time fitness instructor, I don’t get bothered by people leaving my classes early. I teach HIIT, boxing and strength, and during my finishers, the music is loud, the movement is big and the class is focused on emptying out the tank, so someone making their way toward the door won’t disrupt the flow.

What I do want to avoid is any safety risks for the person leaving and those giving 100% at the end. So, as long as students are mindful of others’ space and do their best to stretch outside of the studio, I’m a happy teacher.

But in other types of classes, leaving early can be more disruptive — for example, yoga, which usually ends with Savasana, the resting pose.

Most instructors know that life happens, and ducking out of class early is occasionally fine, especially if someone isn’t feeling well. And in my opinion, instructors should always respect this. But there are some key etiquette tips to make it as seamless as possible for teachers and fellow students, no matter the workout.

TODAY.com spoke to instructors from all walks of the gym — reformer Pilates, boxing, cycling and more — to learn more.

Give the instructor a heads up you’re leaving early before class begins

A universal piece of advice from instructors is to let them know before class that you plan to leave early, if you’re able.

Andrea Chlebek, senior master coach at Solidcore and personal trainer, says that flagging an early departure is not only a “kind courtesy” toward the instructor, but it helps plan the exit with ease.

The studio Chlebek teaches at has 13 Megaformers in one row, and the workout is taught in a dark room. If she knows a client has to leave early, she can place them on a machine close to the door to avoid breaking up “the whole vibe of what’s going on in the room,” she says.

Everett Toy, a cycle instructor in Fairfield County, Connecticut, agrees about being close to the door: “Fortunately, we have space around our bikes, but I’ve been to studios where it is extremely tight. … It can be pretty scary,” he says.

Madeline Goode, a yoga teacher in New York City, says that when her clients share they plan to leave early, she lets them know the best time to do so.

“In yoga, a standard is usually to … leave before Savasana, which is that final rest, when everyone is lying down, because if you make noise during that, it’s just very distracting,” she explains, adding that it’s many people’s “favorite part of class.”

Be respectful on your way out

Becca Wood, a Pilates instructor in New York City who’s also a reporter at TODAY.com, says the way someone goes about leaving early “makes a difference.”

“(Reformer Pilates) can be a little noisy. It can be a lot if you’re trying to put springs back on and move boxes around,” she says.

Wood’s class ends with breathing and stretching, so if someone is loud while leaving, it can be “disrespectful to the people who are trying to take these last few moments of class for themselves before they need to be rushing off to whatever they’re doing next.”

She appreciates people who quietly reset the reformer and grab their belongings.

Jake Knisely, a Connecticut-based barre instructor, says his studio has a new policy for people exiting early to avoid disruption: Leave your equipment exactly where it is.

“People who were leaving early … were trying to clean up their station and everything. … We just tell them to quietly exit and leave everything where it is, and the instructor will put it away for them because it was causing such a distraction,” he says.

He adds that carrying heavy equipment, like 20-pound weights, across the room can be a “hazard” for surrounding participants, and the person leaving class is also susceptible to tripping.

Don’t make leaving early a habit

While one-off early exits are understandable, several instructors advise against making it a habit.

Wood encourages everyone who attends her Pilates class to fight the urge to leave in the last few minutes to reap the full benefits.

“I get that maybe people have some places to be, things to do. But … I really like to give people that full 45 minutes where they don’t need to be rushing to get to the next thing, if possible,” she explains, adding that there’s a “grounding” element to the end of her classes.

Knisely also understands that “life happens” and people are trying to squeeze in some movement when they can, but his cool-downs are “designed” to enhance the workout.

“You can’t stay for the last three minutes to truly harness all the benefits of the workout you just did, by stretching it out, lowering your heart rate, getting circulation back to your muscles?” he says.

Chlebek knows that “everyone is just trying their best” with the time they have. However, if it becomes a regular habit, then it can become “really annoying” to the instructor and participants.

“if you’re going to come and give me 45 minutes and really work and be present, great. You have to leave that last little five minutes, totally fine. I hear you,” she says. “Just make sure it’s not every single time.”